THIS COIN: Deep original toning with blends of electric purple, blue and gold float on the highly reflective fields of this stunning Trade Dollar. Devices on both sides are extremely well struck with virtually all design elements crisp and clear. A beautiful Gem example rarely seen in this grade. Type I obverse: Type I reverse (Type I/I).
BACKGROUND: Although there was a relatively low business strike mintage of only 455,000, 1876 Pliladelphia Mint Trade Dollars are readily available in most grades. During 1876 the master hub of the Trade Dollar, redesigned by William Barber, and are now referred to as Type II obverse. Among other small differences, Type II now has the right tail of the ribbon (on which "LIBERTY" is imprinted) pointing down (Type I both ends point to the left). Also, Type II has four fingers of Miss Liberty's right hand below the olive branch (Type I has only three fingers below the olive branch). Known existing combinations for 1876 Philadelphia Mint business strikes are: I/I, I/II and II/II.